Kay S. came to San Diego from Nigeria in June 2017. Economic instability and political violence had forced him to seek better opportunities in order to support his family. In Nigeria, as a seasoned educator and counselor, Kay taught college-level creative arts and provided career guidance.

The culture shock and discrimination that Kay faced after US arrival deeply affected him. “I suffered physically and emotionally because of the persecution,” he says.

In February 2018, a local training center referred Kay to Nile Sisters Development Initiative ( NSDI ), where he explored his interest in nursing programs. Five months later, Kay successfully completed a 44-day weekend certified nursing assistant ( CNA ) training. He now intends to advance his training in acute nursing while he completes his master’s degree program in strategic leadership.